The hits just keep coming for Kentucky football. Following the recent departure of star defensive lineman Deone Walker, the Wildcats are now losing Zion Childress, who announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft. Childress, who had the option to return for a COVID-eligibility year, chose instead to forgo his final season, leaving Kentucky with gaping holes in its secondary and significant questions heading into 2025.
Thank you BBN 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/SjVQyvVUtD
— champ (@ZionChildress) December 7, 2024
Childress’ decision couldn’t come at a worse time for Kentucky. Over the past two seasons, the senior strong safety was a critical piece of the Wildcats’ defense, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the field. In 2024, Childress totaled 55 tackles, including 34 solo stops, along with a sack and a forced fumble. This came after an impressive 58-tackle season in 2023, making him one of the most consistent contributors to Kentucky’s defense. For full tratransfer news click here
With Kristian Story also graduating, the Wildcats’ strong safety depth chart has been completely wiped out. Childress and Story formed a reliable duo at the back end of Kentucky’s defense, combining experience with solid playmaking ability. Now, Kentucky must start from scratch in a secondary that was already vulnerable at times during the 2024 season.
What’s especially frustrating for Kentucky fans is the sense of what might have been. Childress had one more year of eligibility thanks to his freshman status during the COVID-impacted 2020 season. His return could have provided the Wildcats with a stabilizing force in a secondary facing turnover elsewhere. Instead, Kentucky must now rely on unproven players or look to the transfer portal to fill the void.
This loss leaves Mark Stoops and his staff with significant work to do. With Childress and Walker gone, Kentucky’s defense will need a complete overhaul, and expectations for 2025 are dimming fast. While the NFL path is well-earned for Childress, his departure puts Kentucky football in an even more precarious position.